With winter is just around the corner, the weather is going to present a lot of challenges to your life especially when it comes to driving. Snow, sleet and freezing rain can take a serious toll on your vehicle. Therefore, you need to ensure that your car is ready to take on the harsh temperature. Here is how you can prepare your car for the winter:
- Antifreeze
Antifreeze is a substance that keeps your engine from freezing during those times of the year when you feel like you are freezing. Without it, your engine can freeze, leaving you stranded in cold weather. You need to check the antifreeze level in the winter to make sure it doesn’t run out. You can check your antifreeze levels by following the instructions in your car’s manual or buying a kit available in many auto stores.
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
Ordinary fluid that you use in the spring, summer and autumn can often become useless in the winter, as it can freeze quickly upon contact with your windshield. With the winter approaching, you should switch out your fluid for winter fluid. Winter fluid is designed for the hard winter weather and can help loosen ice and snow from your windshield.
- Winter-grade Oil
The colder the weather, the thinner the oil in your engine should be. The viscosity of your oil in colder weather is indicated by the first number in the oil specification, with a lower number indicating better viscosity in cold weather. You should consider switching to an oil with a lower cold weather viscosity grade.
- Emergency Kit
This is one of the most important things you can do for your car and for your personal safety. Having a box full of winter supplies in your trunk can make all the difference in the harsh weather. Here’s a list of items you should include in that kit: a flashlight, a first-aid kit, blankets, a few extra pairs of gloves, a radio, a charged cellphone for 911 calls, an ice scraper and some high-energy snacks like nuts or jerky.
- Tire Pressure and Tread
Good tires are the key to staying on the road and keeping safe when snow and ice are falling from the sky. You should regularly check your tire pressure with a simple gauge sold at any auto supply store. You should also follow your manual’s recommendations for pressure level. You should also ensure your tires have appropriate amounts of tread on them.
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